ERG Power Talk

21/06/2024

Here's a recent academic research paper examining a concept they call the "Death Spiral Effect," which examines the behaviors observed in failing organizations and societies. The study proposes, without naming DEI, the kinds of changes we promote to foster resilience and produce healthier and happier futures for all.

Just like an army of ants caught in an ant mill, individuals, groups and even whole societies are sometimes caught up in a Death Spiral, a vicious cycle of self-reinforcing dysfunctional behavior characterized by continuous flawed decision making, myopic single-minded focus on one (set of) solution(...

20/06/2024

This article discusses ERGs' challenges amid corporate budget cuts and reduced DEI prioritization. Given the decline of 20th-century DEI practices, that's why we at CDO PowerCirlce advocate for a 21st-century upgrade.

A mainstay since the ‘70s, employee resource groups are caught up in the battle against woke capitalism

19/06/2024

The article points out HR's absence in AI planning. So, if you aim to include DEI in AI planning, engage directly with business leaders; you might also assist HR along the way.

But HR plays a key role in ensuring responsible adoption of AI takes place, according to McLean and Co., meaning leaders have an opportunity to step in.

18/06/2024

Read my latest Forbes article on how managers can inadvertently cause division within diverse teams and strategies leaders can use to foster team unity instead.

It's crucial to face some of the hidden forces that can pit people against one another and hurt overall productivity.

18/06/2024

Here's a cautionary tale with one lesson: Staffing and HR companies need to be careful not to let their desire to please clients lead them to breaking equal opportunity laws. Vendors beware.

The company steered candidates toward certain positions based on s*x and rejected certain applicants based on race and national origins, EEOC alleged.

17/06/2024

See how universities in DEI-banning states are adapting by renaming and reshaping diversity initiatives, showing commitment to inclusion and equity despite obstacles. This, of course, is a temporary solution.

Welcome to the new “Office of Access and Engagement.” Schools are renaming departments and job titles to try to preserve diversity programs.

17/06/2024

In my latest article, I explore how DEI leaders can overcome the challenges of capturing the attention of busy business leaders.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, once said, “With all the abundance we have of computers and computing, what is scarce is human attention…

17/06/2024

14/06/2024

This article highlights the intense conflict in Scotland as it aims to implement laws safeguarding vulnerable groups from hate speech while upholding freedom of expression. Point: The rift and divisions observed in the USA are indicative of broader global 21st-century tensions.

Scotland made it an imprisonable offense to “stir up hatred” against some groups, including trans people. J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk are among those voicing concerns.

13/06/2024

This article highlights pay equity concerns within the environmental justice movement, emphasizing that even well-intentioned movements may retain outdated biases. While acknowledging the valuable work being done, it underscores the need for continuous improvement as we transition to a 21st-century workforce, workplace, and marketplace.

National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club and World Wildlife Fund are among the big names who have signed onto the Green 2.0 pledge.

12/06/2024

This article tells us that employers are facing an uptick in a variety of bias claims, including allegations of discrimination in benefits and leave. Is this happening more frequently, or are people more predisposed to sue the company due to distrust?

Compliance and DEI may be the responsibility of different departments within a company, but the two often intersect.

11/06/2024

According to this article, employees seek assistance from an external HR consulting firm because they don't trust their company's HR, particularly in addressing issues of harassment, discrimination, and mental health concerns. This is not unfounded distrust, given the documented complicity of HR in management misbehavior. The messages for DEI Leaders: If you're part of HR, be careful not to allow your credibility to be hurt by association.

Many US employees don’t trust their HR departments, and instead turn to independent services for help with discrimination or harassment issues

10/06/2024

Check out my latest article on how to complement your bias training for executives, managers, and supervisors with microaggression defense training for your employees. Why? Well. because despite all your bias training, bias and discrimination still happen.

If you’ve been DEI for any period of time, I’m sure you’ve heard the term microaggression. Microaggression refers to subtle, often…

10/06/2024

According to this article, a growing number of employees, especially women, prefer remote work. However, HR departments are not adequately prepared for this shift. Share this with your HR cousins and offer to help them get off the 20th-century RTO train on the 21st-century express.

Across all ages, employed women are more likely to cite a desire for remote work as a reason to seek a new job.

07/06/2024

If inclusive marketing is not the ridiculous corporate practice of slapping a rainbow on a website and social media in June, what is it? It's actually a super lucrative marketing strategy. Check this out for more.

Inclusive marketing is a term that’s popped up in recent years. However, the practice of it isn’t really new. For instance, back in the 1970’s, brands like McDonald’s and Jell-O created promotions that targeted Black consumers. Campaigns that have targeted specific racial and ethnic groups h...

06/06/2024

One of my tips (number 11) was included in this Fast Company article on launching creative work labs to foster innovation. Mine focuses on how to assemble and manage a diverse team to produce game-changing new strategies and inventions. https://buff.ly/4aTmyKn

06/06/2024

According to this, while some CEOs pour time and money into RTO efforts, savvier business leaders and designers are reimagining their offices for a hybrid future,

In the not-too-distant future, you might take several morning meetings from the treadmill desk in your work-optimized living room, toggling your video backdrop to match the vibe of each meeting. Then, you might head over to your boss’s house in the afternoon to participate in a brainstorm in her r...

05/06/2024

According to this, a new report reveals that the global gender gap is wider than previously estimated, and no country provides women with equal workforce opportunities as men. Progressive companies might find this is a great time for talent poaching.

Global gender gap is far bigger than previously thought, as annual World Bank report takes childcare and safety issues into account for first time

05/06/2024

If you're an audio fan, check out my book, The New DEI and ERG Frontier, for FREE with a free 30-day Audible membership.

Check out this great listen on Audible.com. Will your DEI and ERG efforts decline or thrive in the next year and beyond? There is a new frontier out there facing DEI and ERG leaders. It's full of uncertainties. It has metaverses, robots, AI, pandemics, a new workforce, and the complete remaking of.....

04/06/2024

Here's more proof that the emerging 21st-century workforce simply isn't buying what many employers do in their outdated DEI efforts: EY's March 2024 barometer report reveals that Q***r Generation Zers are three times as likely to be unsure about their employer’s LGBTQ+ initiatives, rating them with a C+ on average

The firm’s workplace report is an LGBTQ+ temperature check and shows Gen Zers may want employers to take a stand.

03/06/2024

This article discusses creating psychological safety in the workplace through an inclusive lens, recognizing that employees' diverse experiences influence their sense of safety. Fostering inclusive psychological safety supports better engagement and retention in the modern workforce. This is another good piece to share with your HR cousins.

Companies are increasingly expected to ensure psychological safety as a part of employee well-being.

03/06/2024

In this episode of ERG PowerTalk, Shea Hunter Belsky, Chief Technology Officer at Mantra and a passionate neurodiversity advocate, shares his expertise on supporting and leveraging neurodivergence. Please forgive my fuzziness if you watch on YouTube (I had camera issues). https://buff.ly/37dxHuh

03/06/2024

Here are some ideas on how DEI can help HR engage and motivate the new crop of employees who are entrepreneurs at heart.

Over the last few centuries of the previous millennium, we witnessed significant shifts in how people worked. Essentially, we saw a…

31/05/2024

Employers, beware before you shut down or defund ERGs. And in case your company doesn’t heed my warning in my latest Fast Company article, here are some tips on how to fund and run an employee network with zero corporate backing.
https://buff.ly/3Vp4z91

31/05/2024

According to this article, a Senior Vice President at Calix, inclusivity is the key to driving corporate success. Through strategic inclusion initiatives and global staffing strategies, she's demonstrated how fostering diversity and inclusion leads to innovation, cultural coherence in mergers, and tangible business benefits. Share this with your HR cousins.

Imagine a world where inclusivity isn’t just an HR buzzword, but the heartbeat of corporate success. This isn’t a utopian fantasy—it’s the vision sculpted by Parul Kapoor, Senior Vice President, Talent and Culture, at Calix, according to her interview with me. In an industry where the race f...

30/05/2024

Approximately 15% of the workforce is neurodiverse, so organizations must ensure their workplace environments are set up to leverage the most out of these team members. This article, published back in March, provides some valuable tips.

Discover the transformative impact of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, fostering inclusivity and recognition of unique talents.

29/05/2024

A quick perusal of the news will quickly bring you to the conclusion of this article: labor unions are rapidly growing across many industries. Check out why and how. Also, remember that these unions can be your friends despite HR's opposition to them. We are not HR.

The game has completely changed in the wake of the Cemex decision, attorneys from Cozen O’Connor said in a March 21 webinar.

29/05/2024

In this exciting and insightful episode of ERG PowerTalk, join me and my guest, Dr Sy Islam, a seasoned expert in data analytics and organizational development, to learn how to use free public data to drive your DEI and ERG agenda forward.
https://buff.ly/37dxHuh